Converting '68 350 to Electric start

[Dynarace]

My 1968 35HP #2154699 is running beautifully after I've rebuilt lower unit, carb, and fuel pump. But wanted to spend the winter tinkering an e-start conversion so that my 81 y/o dad can use it - it's too hefty a manual pull for him. I have found most of the parts I would need (flywheel, starter motor, relay, internal harness, starter wires), but am I crazy? Couple of big issues:

• Installing starter motor - do I really have to remove the entire powerhead to get this to slide in from the bottom? I'm not sure after 45 years it's going to separate easily...
• Any idea where I can get an external 6-pin harness for the key switch? I don't want to buy a whole other MerControl unit and nothing is showing on eBay...
• Where does the solenoid mount? Can't find a picture of that...
• Where do I find a proper flywheel puller for the old FW?

Any hints or suggestions welcome!

 

[Dynarace]

Re: Converting '68 350 to Electric start

Anyone got any thoughts on ANY of these issues?

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Converting '68 350 to Electric start

I'm not sure if you have to remove the powerhead on that one or not. I haven't had to remove the starter on my '67 and my '69 is manual start. I know I had to pull the powerhead on a '64 I had in the shop awhile back, but that's a somewhat different design.

Keep an eye on eBay for wiring harness. They do turn up from time to time.

Solenoid mounts on the starter motor itself - if the starter is OEM style, it'll have the holes tapped into the side of the housing.

You can use any 2-point or 4-point harmonic balancer type puller. Use Grade 8 bolts, 1/4-28 thread.

Nice motors - I really like mine!

 

[Dynarace]

Re: Converting '68 350 to Electric start

Great, excellent information. Thank you for your very useful reply!